Liquid-bedded keel-block



(NoModeL) v F. O. LANG.

LIQUID BEDDED KEBL BLOCK. N0. 341,582. Patented May 11, 1886.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FREDERICK O. LANG, OF JERSEY CITY, NEWJERSEY.

LlQUlD-BEDIJED KEEL-BLOCK.

SIEECIPICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 341,582, dated May 11,1886.

Application filed August 7, 1885.

' useful Improvement in Liquid-Bedded Keel- Blocks, of which thefollowing is a full, clear,

, and exact description.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part ofthis specification, in which similar letters of reference indicatecorresponding parts in all the figures.

Figure l is a sectional side elevation of two of my improvedliquid-bedded keel-blocks, and showing a side elevation of a part of athird keel-block and of a keel of a vessel. Fig. 2 is a plan view of twokeel-blocks and a part of a third. Fig. 3 is a sectional front elevationof one of the keel-blocks and a part of a vessels keel, taken throughthe line 00:13, Fig. 1.

The object of this invention is to provide liquidbedded keel-blocks forsupporting vessels in dry-docks, constructed in such a manner that theywill adjust themselves to any inequalities of a vessels keel, and thatany particular block can be removed to give ac cess to the part of thekeel above it, and again replaced when the said part of the keel hasbeen repaired, and which shall be simple in construction and convenientand reliable in use.

The invention consistsin the construction of the various parts of thekeel-blocks, as will be hereinafter fully described, and then claimed.

A represents a cast-iron case of any desired or convenient size, andwhich I prefer to make rectangular in form. The case A is open at thetop, and is rabbeted around the inner side of its top to form a stuflingbox, B, and has a flange, (1, around the outer side of its top toreceive the bolts that fasten the gland D of the said stuffing-box inplace.

E is a hollow follower which is fitted into the case A, and within whichis placed a wooden block, F, projecting above the said follower E, forthe keel G of the vessel torest upon. A series of the cases A arearranged along the central line of the dry-doclgto which they are firmlysecured, and are connected by Serial No. 173,832. (X0 model.)

pipes H, so that the kerosene-oil or other liquid used can pass readilyfrom one case A to the others. The pipes H are each provided with avalve, I, so that each pipe H can be closed, when desired, and thepassage of the liquid through it prevented.

Each case A is provided with a short pipe, J, having a valve. K, asshown in Figs. 2 and 3. Vith this construction when the cases A havebeen supplied with liquid, and the keel of the vessel is in place uponthe followers E F, the said followers will adjust themselves to anyinequalities in the said keel, so that all parts of the keel will beequally supported, the liquid passing freely from one case to another.

In case access is desired to any particular part of the keel G, thevalves I upon the opposite sides of the case A, beneath the said part,are closed, the valve K is opened, and the liquid within the said caseis drawn off through the pipe J, allowing the follower E F to descend,leaving the desired part of the keel exposed. IVhen the exposed part ofthe keel has been repaired, the liquid can be forced back into the emptycase A through the pipe J,by apnnip or other suitable means, to forcethe follower E up against the keel when the valve K is closed and thevalves I are opened, so that all parts of the keel will be again equallysupported.

Having thus fully described my invention, I claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent- The liquid bedded keel blocks, constructedsubstantially as herein shown and described, and consisting of the casesA, provided with stuffing-boxes B D, followers E F, connect-ingpipes H,having valves I, and outlet-pipes J, having valves K, substantially asherein shown and described, whereby all parts of the keel will beequally supported, and any desired part of the keel can be exposed,repaired, and again supported, as set forth.

FREDERICK G. LANG. Vitnesses:

E. M. CLARK, EDGAR TATE.

